Simple Bedroom Refresh Ideas And The State Of Our Room
As I embarked on a weekend DIY adventure to revamp my master bedroom’s wardrobe, two crucial realizations struck me. Firstly, I was caught off guard by the realization that I had no clear plan in place. Secondly, I hadn’t yet shared with you the current state of our primary bedroom.
To set the stage for this upcoming transformation, today’s post will take you on a tour of our bedroom as it stands now, along with some straightforward and inspiring ideas to breathe new life into your own sleeping sanctuary.
The Current State of Our Bedroom
Our bedroom, while comfortable, lacks the depth and character that comes with a thoughtful, curated design. It’s a space that has evolved over time without a clear vision, resulting in a sense of incompleteness. We moved into our home with the furniture we had, gradually adding pieces as needed. The overall aesthetic is straightforward, bordering on plain, but not necessarily bad. It’s a familiar scenario for many, possibly mirroring your own space.
Our bedroom has undergone subtle changes over the years – a lamp was replaced with Christmas ribbon, and basic white bedding was added to replace worn-out items. If you want to get a sense of our bedroom’s current state, take a look at our initial home tour or the floor plan. The room’s unfinished feel is partly due to its lack of direction. A prime example is the massive wardrobe Colby built seven years ago.
It still stands today with its original pine finish, awaiting a decision on whether to paint or stain it. This uncertainty has contributed to the bedroom’s sense of incompleteness. It’s time for our bedroom to receive some intentional design guidance.
Bedroom Refresh Ideas
Ready to revamp your bedroom without breaking the bank or exhausting yourself? Let’s kick things off! When it comes to giving my own bedroom a makeover, I like to start by assessing what’s currently working and what areas need a little TLC. Today, I’m excited to share some straightforward bedroom refresh ideas that can be applied to any space – no design expertise required!
Bring In New Furniture
If you’re dissatisfied with your bedroom’s current furniture setup, consider refreshing your space by donating or selling what doesn’t work for you. Replacing outdated pieces can instantly revitalize the room. I initially thought that introducing new furniture wouldn’t be a cost-effective idea due to potential budget constraints. However, thrift store shopping offers a budget-friendly solution.
By putting in some effort to restore and refinish second-hand finds with a fresh coat of paint or updated hardware, you can create a stunning bedroom makeover on a shoestring budget. We’re not planning to introduce entirely new furniture pieces, but we do aim to modify a few existing ones. This leads me to…
Refinishing Bedroom Furniture
The bedroom can be instantly revitalized without breaking the bank by refinishing existing furniture pieces. The power of paint is undeniable, as it can effortlessly transform a space. In our bedroom, we’re prioritizing giving new life to an unfinished pine wardrobe, while also planning to paint each bedside table and potentially building a custom DIY headboard for our bed. This project will likely be the most significant DIY undertaking in the room. The journey begins!
Our experience with bedside tables serves as a valuable lesson. We once searched high and low for a matching pair of nightstands, settling on Wayfair after an exhaustive search. While we were thrilled with the functionality they provided, including drawers, our excitement was short-lived when they arrived in silver, not light green as expected. This misstep taught us to thoroughly read descriptions and not rely solely on photos.
As a result, we’ll be using chalk paint to transform them into their desired hue, drawing inspiration from our past success with refinishing IKEA laminate furniture.
Levels of Lighting
Lighting can dramatically transform a space, making it either welcoming or uninviting. The perfect balance of light sources can create a harmonious atmosphere, while an ill-chosen choice can leave the room feeling harsh. In our bedroom, we’ve learned that layering different lighting elements can be incredibly effective in achieving the desired ambiance. Even something as simple as swapping out a light bulb can have a profound impact, taking the space from cool and uninviting to warm and cozy.
While I’m fond of our overhead light fixture with its soft, filtered glow, the nightstand lamps have always felt lacking. Recently, we’ve decided to swap them out for more traditional lamps with shades, hoping this change will bring a cozier feel to the bedside tables.
As you may recall, I purchased brass task lamps for our bedroom shortly before moving from Maine.
Initially, they seemed like a great choice, but it quickly became apparent that task lighting wasn’t the best fit for bedside tables. The lamps didn’t provide the soft, filtered light we craved, and instead felt harsh and uninviting. Unfortunately, one of the lamps broke during our move to Vermont, its lamp head failing to stay suspended and constantly crashing to the surface below.
Rather than replacing it, I rationalized that these lamps were merely temporary placeholders until we found something more suitable. Fast-forward eight years, and they’re still in use, held together by some Christmas ribbon that Colby used for a quick fix. While I’m slightly embarrassed about the situation, the lamps have become a quirky part of our bedroom’s charm.
New Bedding
The bedroom’s focal point is often the bed itself. One effective way to introduce visual interest, pattern, and texture to the space is by experimenting with bedding choices. In fact, updating your bedding can have the most significant impact on a bedroom makeover. Once you’ve settled on an overall color scheme for the room, incorporate pattern or add cozy throw elements like fringe to bring depth.
Bedding also provides an opportunity to engage with design trends or seasonally update the space without significant effort. A fresh duvet cover, for instance, can instantly revitalize the room’s aesthetic. While I appreciate the simplicity of our main bedroom’s bedding, there’s a sense of monotony that comes from relying too heavily on white. It’s time for a refresh and a new color palette to inject some personality into the space.
Consider incorporating striped sheets, deep jewel-toned throw pillows against the headboard, patterned quilts or coverlets, and cozy bed blankets to create a visually appealing arrangement.
Throw Pillows and a Throw Blanket
Transforming a bedroom chair into an inviting haven is easier than you think. Beyond adding accent pillows and throw blankets to your bed, this simple trick can also work wonders for a bedside chair. With many bedrooms featuring a chair as a central piece, why not make it a cozy retreat rather than a cluttered space where laundry tends to accumulate? Our own bedroom features Grandma Gert’s vintage rocking chair, which holds sentimental value and has been passed down through generations.
This treasured family heirloom is one of those items that we’re determined to keep, no matter what – it’s ‘cold dead fingers’ material! To give this beloved chair an extra layer of warmth and comfort, a thoughtful addition of cozy elements can make all the difference.
DIY Headboard
Our bed may be functional, but it’s definitely lacking in style. A basic wood-framed bed can start to feel dated or bland after a while. Instead of replacing the entire frame, which might not fit our budget, we could give it a DIY makeover with a headboard that adds some visual interest and personality. I’ve got my eye on a few different ideas for DIY headboards that would bring a pop of color and texture to the space.
We’re talking tufted, channel-stitched, or even caned designs – anything that would add some character to our bedroom. And let’s be honest, it’s a great way to update an otherwise neutral space without breaking the bank. I’m loving inspiration like this fabric-wrapped headboard and this DIY channel tufted headboard. Bring on the creativity and give me a good DIY challenge – can I really pull these off?!
Window Treatments
Updating window treatments can be a game-changer when it comes to refreshing a room’s aesthetic. By incorporating patterns and colors through curtains, you can instantly revitalize the space. For added depth, consider layering natural blinds like bamboo shades, which bring in a variety of textures that can elevate a bedroom. I’m particularly fond of our white linen fabric curtains, which filter soft light and create a serene atmosphere.
However, they don’t provide adequate blackout capabilities when you need to sleep in on a lazy Saturday morning (a rarity in my household, but a nice dream nonetheless!). Adding woven shades is high on my list of master bedroom refresh ideas. I’m currently browsing blinds. com for the perfect shade to complement our space.
Adding Plants
Adding greenery to your bedroom is not just a stylish move, but it can also have a profound impact on your well-being. Not only do plants bring life and vibrancy to a room, but they can also promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. Consider placing one or two plants atop your nightstand, near a dresser, or even suspended from the ceiling to create a unique focal point.
While I don’t have permanent residents in my bedroom (I often ‘borrow’ plants from other rooms for photo shoots), I adore the visual interest they add. In fact, Brooke’s bedroom at Nesting With Grace is a masterclass in incorporating plants into a room’s design. Her dedication to her indoor flora is truly inspiring and something I aspire to achieve myself.
For my own space, I envision a lush arrangement surrounding my full-length mirror or near our south-facing window, which receives ample natural light. And, as an aside, I’m also excited to tackle the unpainted bathroom doors – they’ll be getting a fresh coat of paint once we complete our ongoing bathroom renovation.
Styling With Vintage Accessories and Artwork
There’s something undeniably charming about blending vintage treasures with modern pieces in a room, don’t you agree? The resulting space feels like it has been curated over time, rather than hastily decorated. Thrift stores are an excellent source of affordable artwork and decorative elements that can help stretch even the smallest budget.
I’ve recently found myself scouring thrift shops alongside my kids, amassing a delightful collection of one-dollar art that may soon find its way into our bedroom. When it comes to styling your bedroom, there are several surfaces worth focusing on during a refresh. The top of your dresser, for instance, is an ideal spot to add some personality. Consider placing cute bowls or vessels for jewelry or cosmetics, adding fresh flowers, or incorporating a charming hand mirror.
I must admit that I miss the old decor on our dresser now that it’s been relocated to our walk-in closet-turned-attic. Similarly, the top of your nightstand presents another opportunity to inject some style into the room. Just be sure to leave enough space to store items overnight. A plant or vintage ceramic bowl can serve as a lovely catch-all and help revitalize the bedroom.
Add An Area Rug
A quick and easy bedroom refresh idea is to add an area rug or patterned rug alongside the bed. Although this isn’t on my radar for our current space, where we’re lucky enough to have beautiful wide pine floorboards that are worth showcasing, I think it’s a great solution for guest bedrooms. The addition of a rug can bring warmth and texture to the room, making it feel more inviting and cozy.
Main Bedroom Next Steps
As I wrap up my initial design thoughts on our main bedroom, it’s time to bring my vision to life. A crucial step in this process is creating a mood board – a visual representation of the desired aesthetic that serves as my guide throughout the project. Without formal interior design training, I rely on this tool to help me strike the right balance between traditional and modern elements, such as pairing vintage nightstands with sleek lamps.
With my mood board in hand, I’ll focus on refinishing furniture pieces, selecting the perfect stain shade for the wardrobe, and potentially even updating bedding to give the room a fresh new look. Your thoughts are welcome – what simple bedroom refresh ideas or other makeover inspirations do you have to share?
